CCLS Celebrates Alumna Sarah Abulkassem, Winner of the British Council Alumni UK Photo Competition
CCLS Alumna Sarah Abulkassem returns to CCLS for a Celebratory Lunch Honoring Her and Her Award-Winning Royal Photograph
The Centre for Commercial Law Studies (CCLS) recently had the pleasure of hosting a celebratory lunch in honor of Sarah Abulkassem (Human Rights LLM, 2022), who was named the winner of the prestigious British Council Alumni UK 2024 Photo Competition in the ‘Culture, Creativity, and Innovation’ category. Her captivating photograph, taken during the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in London, earned her this esteemed recognition.
As part of her award, Sarah was invited to London to attend the Alumni UK Reception and Networking Event at the British Council’s headquarters. While in the city, she made a special visit to the CCLS campus, where faculty, staff, and current students gathered to celebrate her achievement and hear about her journey since completing her Master of Laws degree.
The celebratory lunch commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Angelos Dimopoulos, Sarah’s dissertation tutor, who spoke about her exceptional research during her time at CCLS. He highlighted her dedication, intellectual rigor, and the high quality of work she produced as a student. Sarah then took the opportunity to reflect on her time at CCLS, sharing how her studies had played a pivotal role in shaping her career and opening doors to a wealth of opportunities.
Sarah also shared the remarkable story behind her award-winning photograph. She had spent the day in London hoping to catch a glimpse of Queen Elizabeth II but had given up after numerous unsuccessful attempts. Deciding instead to enjoy afternoon tea in Belgravia, she unexpectedly saw a car passing by with the Queen inside. In that moment, she was able to capture the iconic image that would later earn her the British Council Alumni UK 2024 Photo Competition award.
One of Sarah’s key messages was the lasting impact of her CCLS education—not just in terms of academic excellence, but also in fostering a strong work ethic and broadening her professional horizons. She spoke fondly of the friendships she made and the invaluable experiences she gained while studying at one of the world’s leading institutions for legal education.
Beyond celebrating her success, Sarah engaged with current students, offering insightful advice on navigating career opportunities, securing work experience, and balancing academic responsibilities with professional ambitions. Her words of encouragement and practical tips resonated with many in attendance, reinforcing the strong sense of community that defines CCLS.
The event was a testament to the achievements of CCLS alumni and the institution’s ongoing commitment to nurturing talent that excels on the global stage. Congratulations once again to Sarah Abulkassem on this incredible accomplishment!
Click here to see more photos taken at this event.